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quately equipped, after consultation with the Superintendent of
the local Division of the Brigade. This arrangement has proved a
useful addition to the facilities provided at Barrowell Green.
As hitherto, the Superintendent of the Swimming Bath and
her staff have shown a very keen appreciation of their duties in
relation to public health. The condition of the Bath was always
found to be excellent on inspection, while co-operation has been
as close and cordial as in past years.
Altogether, Barrowell Green Swimming Bath provides the
district with a valuable amenity, which must have an appreciable
effect on health, particularly the health of children.
Rivers and Streams
After a lapse of several years, complaints have once again
been received of smells emanating from Bounds Green Brook.
This issue has been before the Public Health Committee on several
occasions, and has been brought to the notice of the Lea Conservancy
Board. The matter is being actively pursued. As finality
has not yet been reached, this is a subject which might better be
postponed until the Report for 1952 is issued. It can meantime
be stated that the Public Health Department is taking such action
as is possible in the circumstances, including repeated sampling of
the brook, together with consultations with other bodies and
authorities.
Prevention of Damage by Pests Act, 1949
During 1951, 513 complaints of rats and mice were received
and dealt with, as against 406 in 1950.
In March, 1951, a baiting and poisoning treatment was carried
out by the Borough Engineer's Department in the Council's soil
sewers. .333 manholes were baited. In 129 of these, complete or
part takes of bait were noted.
In September, 1951, test baiting was carried out by the
Borough Engineer's Department to 267 manholes, representing
approximately 15 per cent, of the total manholes on the Council's
soil sewers. On the results obtained from this test, a baiting and
poisoning treatment followed, during which 358 manholes were
baited. An additional feature of this treatment was the recording,
at the request of the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, of the
poison takes in the manholes. Of the 358 manholes baited, the
poison bait was taken completely in 19 manholes and partly in
55 manholes. In the remaining 284 manholes, there was no take
of poison bait.
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